Leon Bryant Akins Sr.

The son of Arthur Roosevelt Akins and Elliot Robinson Akins of Crystal River, he was born at the Ocala hospital. Leon grew up in Crystal River and graduated from Crystal River High School in 1948. He played basketball, baseball, and football (limited team size). His favorite sport was baseball and played for "Doc" Hudson's high school teams with assistance from Dazzy Vance. After high school, Leon worked as a commercial fisherman and milk truck delivery in Crystal River.

He soon met his sweetheart, Mary Katherine Akins and married her on Dec. 30, 1950. She was just 15 ½ years old and he was 20. They had three children in the next four years, Arthur Daniel Akins (deceased), Leon Bryant Akins Jr. (wife Phyllis) and Kathy Lee Akins Forrest (husband Chris). Grandkids are Matthew Akins, Jolie Akins Madden, Bryant Drew Akins, Lorie Akins (deceased), Jason Forrest, Sean Forrest, and Joshua Forrest. Great-Grandchildren Kya Akins, Brianna Akins, Ophelia Akins, Kaylee Akins Nawlins, Christina Akins, Neena Maddox, Joseph Maddox. Six great-great-grandchildren.

Though we miss him terribly we think of the million good times. He loved family with everything he could give. He would make friends with anyone and give them the shirt off his back. He loved being a minister of the gospel and sharing the love of Jesus Christ with rich or poor … but had a real heart for the poor. No matter his lack of money he considered himself rich in family and friends.

A true Florida cracker … oh my! The alligator hunting, frog gigging, hog trapping, maker of best homemade wild hog sausage, mullet fishing, camping, driver of derelict vehicles, … was always having a good time! He always said "I feel good" everyday no matter the sickness or troubles. The hospice nurse asked him last week how he felt, he whispered "I feel good." Dad, you will be sorely missed.

Family will receive friends for visitation from 2-2:30 p.m., Thursday, Sept. 11 at the New Home Baptist Church in Perry, with a funeral service beginning at 2:30 p.m. Burial will follow at the Pineview Cemetery in Perry. Arrangements are under the care and direction of Brown Funeral Home & Crematory in Lecanto.